Seyed Hashem Moosavi
As we are in the blessed month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, a month dedicated to the best of all creation, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), this week’s article focuses on exploring the mysteries and functions of one of his beautiful titles.
In various verses of the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty uses different titles to introduce the high character of this great Prophet and his impact on the universe, each intended to serve a specific purpose. One of the most frequently used titles, directly or indirectly referring to the personality and position of the Prophet (sa), is “Rahmatan Lil Aalamin” (Mercy to the Worlds). In verse 107 of Surah Al-Anbiya, Allah says: «وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِين»”And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.”
In this article, we aim to elucidate the meaning of the words “Rahmah” (mercy) and “Aalamin” (worlds) to understand the scope of the Prophet’s mercy as “Rahmatan Lil Aalamin” and address some related questions and misconceptions.
What Does “Rahmah” Mean in the Holy Quran?
The word “Rahmah” is one of the key and recurring concepts in the Holy Quran, appearing in various forms throughout the verses. Rahmah encompasses meanings such as kindness, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and blessing. Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani describes Rahmah as a tenderness that necessitates benevolence[1]. When Allah is described with the term Rahmah, it implies only benevolence, not emotional tenderness. As narrated, Rahmah from Allah is grace and favour, while for humans, it denotes tenderness and compassion. Allamah Tabatabai, in Al-Mizan, also interprets Rahmah in this way[2].
Divine mercy forms the core of the relationship between humans and the Almighty and manifests in various aspects, each serving as an example of Allah’s grace and favour.
One manifestation of divine mercy is the blessings bestowed upon humankind, including material blessings like the creation of night and day[3], rainfall, the growth of plants, increased provision[4], and health. It also includes spiritual blessings such as guidance[5], forgiveness, and salvation from misguidance[6].
The sending of prophets and the revelation of divine scriptures for the guidance and forgiveness of humans all stem from divine mercy, as explicitly mentioned in the Quran: « وَمَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا لِتُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ الَّذِي اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ» “And We have not sent down the Book to you except that you may make clear to them that wherein they differ, and [as] a guidance and mercy for a people who believe.[7]”
Another example of divine mercy is Allah’s forbearance and patience with disobedient and sinful servants, giving them opportunities to repent. The Holy Quran states: « وَرَبُّكَ الْغَفُورُ ذُو الرَّحْمَةِ لَوْ يُؤَاخِذُهُم بِمَا كَسَبُوا لَعَجَّلَ لَهُمُ الْعَذَابَ بَل لَّهُم مَّوْعِدٌ لَّن يَجِدُوا مِن دُونِهِ مَوْئِلًا» “And your Lord is All-Forgiving, full of mercy. If He were to impose blame upon them for what they earned, He would have hastened their punishment. But for them is an appointment from which they will never find an escape.[8]”
Thus, mercy in the Quran is a broad concept that includes various aspects of love, grace, guidance, forgiveness, blessing, and patience from Allah. This infinite and all-encompassing mercy forms the foundation of the relationship between Allah and all His creation. A deep understanding of this concept can lead humanity to a better knowledge of Allah and a closer connection with Him.
What Does “Al -Aalamin” Mean in the Quran?
The word “Al-Aalamin” appears seventy-three times in the Holy Quran. Although it is often used to refer to humans, it is also frequently used in a broader sense, encompassing all beings, including humans, jinn, animals, and even invisible entities.
In Surah Ash-Shu’ara (verses 23 and 24), Pharaoh asks: «قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَمَا رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ، قَالَ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا إِن كُنتُم مُّوقِنِينَ» “Pharaoh said, ‘And what is the Lord of all the worlds (Al-Aalamin)?’ [Moses] said, ‘The Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, if you should be convinced.”
Therefore, “Al- Aalamin” is used extensively to refer to all of creation, including humans, jinn, animals, and even unseen entities. Among humans, it encompasses all groups, including Muslims and non-Muslims, the righteous and the wicked, the living and the dead.
What Does “Rahmatan Lil Aalamin” Mean?
As mentioned at the beginning, Allah Almighty refers to the Prophet Muhammad (sa) as “Rahmatan Lil Aalamin” (Mercy to all Worlds). Given the broad meanings of “Rahmah” and “Aalamin” and the structure of this verse, it is understood that Allah’s intention in addressing the Prophet as “Rahmatan Lil Aalamin” is to present him as a manifestation of benevolence, compassion, forgiveness, blessing, and mercy for all beings, visible and invisible.
Three features in this verse highlight the vastness of this mercy, encompassing all beings throughout all times, even the heavenly angels:
- The use of the term “Aalamin” (worlds).
- The negation with the exception, indicating generality.
- The indefinite form of the word “Rahmah” (mercy).
The Prophet’s dialogue with Gabriel is evidence that this mercy even extends to heavenly beings. When this verse was revealed, the Prophet (sa) asked Gabriel: « هل اصابک من هذه الرحمه شیئی. قال : نعم ، انّی کنتُ اخشی عاقبه الامر فامنت بک» “Did you receive any of this mercy?” Gabriel replied: “Yes, I used to fear the consequences of my affairs, but because of you, who are mercy to the worlds, I am now reassured about my own situation.[9]”
The Prophet himself also used the indefinite form of the word “Rahmah” to describe his own position: «انّما بعثت رحمة » “I was only sent as a mercy.[10]”
How Is the Prophet (pbuh) a Mercy for All People, Believers and Non-Believers?
Various verses in the Quran suggest that prophethood is a mercy from Allah to humanity, and without prophets, people would lose their way to happiness in this world and the hereafter. Thus, the Prophet (sa) is a source of mercy for humankind.
The spread of Islam brings salvation to all. If some people choose not to benefit from it, this does not negate the universal nature of the Prophet’s mercy. It is like establishing a hospital with skilled doctors and all necessary medications, open to everyone without distinction. If some patients choose not to use this facility, it does not diminish its universal nature.
Mercy implies profound compassion and kindness, and sometimes it necessitates discipline; for example, when a father or teacher disciplines a child out of love. Thus, even rulings on jihad, Hudood (punishments), retribution, and other punishments in Islamic law are considered a form of mercy for society.
Just as Allah’s mercy encompasses all, friend and foe, believer and non-believer, the Prophet (sa), introduced in the Quran as “Mercy to the Worlds,” is a mercy for both believers and non-believers. This mercy is evident in the Prophet’s actions, words, and teachings, extending beyond Muslims to include even those who opposed him. He always emphasized forgiveness, guidance, and compassion.
The Prophet of Islam (sa) stands as an example of human conduct, kindness, and generosity, a model not only for Muslims but for all humanity.
[1] . Ragheb Esfahani, Hossein, Al Mufradat, printed in Darul Qalam, p. 347.
[2] . Tabatabaei, Seyed Mohammad Hossein, Tafsir al-Mizan, vol.1, p.18.
[3] . Surah Al- Qasas, Verse 73: «وَمِن رَّحْمَتِهِ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ»
[4] . Surah Al- Shura, Verse 28: «وَهُوَ الَّذِي يُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا قَنَطُوا وَيَنشُرُ رَحْمَتَهُ»
[5] . Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse157: «أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ»
[6] . Surah Yunus, Verse 86: «وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ»
[7] . Surah Al-Nahl, Verse 64.
[8] . Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 58.
[9] . Majma Al-Bayan, Under Verse 107.
[10] . Sira Nabavi, V.3, P. 75.
